Glossary

Courses or degree programs delivered entirely over the internet with no physical or on-site requirements, allowing students to complete their education remotely.

The national regulator for Australia's vocational education and training sector, responsible for ensuring that training providers meet nationally approved quality standards.

A distinction awarded to students who achieve a high standard of excellence in their undergraduate degree course, often involving additional research or advanced coursework.

Educational materials designed to be easily used and accessed by all students, including those with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity and equal educational opportunities.

The process by which educational programs or institutions are evaluated and certified as meeting official standards, necessary for the programs to be officially acknowledged and for graduates to be recognized as having attained certain professional qualifications.

Official recognition that an educational institution or program meets the prescribed standards of quality and compliance set by a regulatory authority.

Educational programs that provide specialised training and deeper knowledge in a specific field beyond the basic certificate level. These courses are designed to enhance professional skills and are often pursued by individuals looking to advance their careers or gain expertise in a particular area.

A qualification that provides in-depth training and knowledge in a specific field, typically more specialised than a diploma but less extensive than a bachelor's degree, aimed at preparing students for professional practice or further study.

The evaluation or estimation of students' understanding, abilities, or performance in a specified subject or course, typically conducted through exams, tests, assignments, or practical activities.

Courses designed to be completed at any time without real-time interaction, allowing students to access and engage with course materials at their convenience.

A numerical score between 0.00 and 99.95 used in the admission process to Australian universities, reflecting a student's academic achievement relative to their peers.

An undergraduate academic degree awarded by a college or university upon completion of a course of study lasting typically three to four years.

An educational approach that combines online digital media with traditional face-to-face teaching, enhancing learning flexibility and engagement.

A short, intensive course designed for students who need additional preparation to meet the prerequisites for entry into a desired course or program, often used to bridge gaps in knowledge or skills.

A sequence of educational and career opportunities that guide an individual's progress from education to employment in a specific field.

A formal qualification awarded upon completion of a specific educational program, typically recognising specialised skill sets or vocational training.

A qualification that recognises basic skills and knowledge in a specific trade or industry, typically requiring one to two years of study, and prepares individuals for employment in specified occupations.

A vocational qualification providing the skills necessary for specific trades or skilled work, requiring the completion of an apprenticeship or two years of study, often used as a pathway to employment in chosen fields.

A higher level of vocational education, often focused on supervisory and management qualifications, providing advanced skills and knowledge in specific areas of work.

A structured sequence of study or training. Usually consisting of various subjects or units that when successfully completed qualifies the student for an academic degree, diploma, or certificate.

A document or booklet that provides detailed information about a course, including its structure, content, entry requirements, and the outcomes it aims to achieve.

A document detailing the structure, content, learning objectives, assessment methods, and other relevant information about a specific course.

An academic qualification awarded by a university or college on successful completion of a prescribed program of studies.

Educational resources and content delivered in digital format, including textbooks, articles, videos, and interactive media, accessible typically through computers or mobile devices.

Online platforms and technologies that facilitate the delivery of educational content and interaction between students and educators.

A qualification awarded by an educational institution to signify completion of a specific course of study, typically more advanced than a certificate but below a bachelor degree.

Courses of study that can be completed remotely without the need for physical attendance at a school or university.

Programs that allow students to simultaneously study for and obtain two distinct diplomas in related fields. These courses provide in-depth knowledge across two disciplines, enhancing career prospects and expertise, typically through an intensive study schedule.

Self-contained digital lessons or units of study available online, designed to deliver specific learning outcomes through interactive content and multimedia.

The act of registering or signing up for courses or programs at an educational institution.

The current and projected costs associated with undertaking studies, including tuition fees, administrative fees, and other related expenses, as detailed by the educational institution.

Educational programs or courses that offer flexibility in scheduling, pacing, or method of delivery, allowing students to tailor their education to fit their individual needs.

Arrangements that allow students to pay tuition and other fees over time in installments rather than a lump sum. These plans are designed to make education more accessible by spreading the financial burden, often tailored to fit individual financial circumstances.

A status where a student is enrolled in a minimum number of credits or courses per term as defined by the educational institution, typically required for eligibility for certain financial aids and full-time student benefits.

A postgraduate qualification at a level below a master's degree, typically involving six months to one year of full-time study, or equivalent part-time, focusing on developing specific professional or technical skills.

A postgraduate qualification that is typically more comprehensive than a graduate certificate and requires one to two years of full-time study or equivalent part-time study. It provides deeper theoretical and practical knowledge in a specific field.

Tertiary education provided by universities and other higher education institutions that lead to the award of academic degrees and other higher education qualifications.

A loan program that assists eligible students in covering their course fees for higher education. It is an Australian government initiative where students can defer payment of their student contributions through a loan.

A standardised English language proficiency test for non-native English speakers, widely used by educational institutions, employers, and government migration agencies to assess English competence.

Students who are nationals of one country and enrolled at an educational institution in another country, often requiring specific visas or meeting additional entry requirements.

The employment opportunities or career prospects expected or associated with completing specific courses or qualifications.

Educational tools and content used to facilitate teaching and learning, such as textbooks, multimedia files, and online resources.

Statements that clearly define what a learner is expected to know, be able to do, and understand at the end of a learning activity or course.

Routes that learners can take through a variety of educational experiences, which can lead to different qualifications and career outcomes, often including multiple entry and exit points.

A primary focus area of study within an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, consisting of a specified number of units or credit points in a specific field.

A required course or condition that must be fulfilled before a student can enroll in a particular subject or course.

A postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice.

A secondary focus area of study, requiring fewer courses than a major, that students can choose to complement their main area of study.

Courses or programs that do not lead to an officially recognized qualification, often focused on personal or professional development without formal assessment or certification.

An examination conducted without formal supervision, where students are trusted not to cheat. Often used in online courses and distance learning environments.

Refers to activities, classes, or resources that are physically located on the university or college grounds.

Evaluation processes conducted over the internet, where students complete exams, quizzes, or assignments online.

Courses offered entirely online that culminate in a certification, demonstrating a participant's competency in a specific area.

The process by which students sign up for courses through an internet-based system, often integrated with a learning management system.

Academic degree programs offered entirely online, allowing students to earn undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications remotely.

The education that is delivered via the internet, enabling students to access learning materials and participate in courses remotely.

Groups formed online around shared educational goals, where members interact, collaborate, and learn together through digital platforms.

Digital environments designed to deliver educational content, facilitate learning, and support interaction between students and educators.

Educational materials and research that are freely available online without financial, legal, or technical barriers. Open access resources are typically available to the public to read, download, and use.

An option for students to pay all tuition and fees upfront at the beginning of the semester or enrolment period, often qualifying for a discount or avoiding late charges.

A study mode where students enroll in fewer courses or credit hours than required for full-time status, allowing them to balance education with other commitments such as work or family.

Educational programs designed to prepare students for further study or specific university degrees. These courses often provide the necessary academic foundation, skills, and qualifications to progress to higher levels of tertiary education, especially for students who do not meet direct entry requirements.

Digital platforms that facilitate learning by allowing students to teach and learn from each other, sharing knowledge and resources.

Customisable platforms that allow learners to control and manage their own learning experiences by integrating various tools, resources, and content from multiple sources according to individual preferences and needs.

Qualifications awarded upon completion of academic programs at the postgraduate level, typically involving shorter durations of study focused on specific professional areas or disciplines. Postgraduate certificates are less extensive than diplomas.

A course or requirement that must be completed before a student can enroll in a more advanced course.

A process we use to assess your relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) to determine the credit we can give you towards completion of a qualification (adapted from Australian Qualifications Framework definition). If approved, you may be able to complete your course quicker.

An educational approach that allows students to progress through a course at their own speed, independently managing their study schedule and learning activities. This method is particularly suited to online courses, offering flexibility to accommodate individual learning styles and time commitments.

Periods into which the academic year is divided, generally lasting around six months each. Australian educational institutions typically organise the academic year into two main semesters: one starting at the beginning of the year and the other commencing mid-year.

Our fully accredited Skill Sets are units of competency. They are designed to get your foot in the door to work by developing and building on your existing skills or upskilling in a new area. Skill sets are perfect for our time poor students, and those who want to gain valuable core skills without breaking the bank.

A formal arrangement where students gain practical experience and skills relevant to their course of study by working within a real workplace setting. This component is integrated into vocational education and training programs, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios under professional supervision.

The OC Student Handbook is your guide to studying with us, and provides lots of information and advice about how to get the most out of your learning experience.

When a course is superseded and a new version of the course framework becomes available, we are advised a date that we can no longer continue teaching the existing version.

Our friendly Trainers and Assessors are certified to teach and guide you through your course. They are experts in their fields with several years’ experience – so you can be sure their knowledge is industry-relevant and up to date.

The process of moving from one stage or condition to another in an educational context. This term often refers to students progressing from one level of education to another, such as transitioning from secondary school to tertiary education, or from undergraduate to postgraduate studies.

A specific component of a course of study within an educational program, typically consisting of a series of lectures, assessments, and learning outcomes focused on a particular topic or subject area. Units are often used to structure the curriculum and are completed to accumulate credits towards achieving a qualification.

A system of training and education that focuses on providing practical skills and vocational qualifications for specific careers or industries. VET is designed to deliver workplace-specific skills and knowledge, and it encompasses a wide range of careers and industries, including trades, office work, retail, hospitality, and technology.

An online seminar conducted over the internet using video conferencing tools. It allows participants from various locations to engage in a live presentation, discussion, or training session, interacting with the presenter and other attendees through features such as Q&A, polls, and chat functions. Webinars are used for educational, business, and professional development purposes.